Husbands AG vs Beerfest birthday present - Page 2

djfriesen · 02-07-2012, 08:33 PM

I would agree with the choice of the BeerFest. Equipment is very personal, and if he's gonna be buying it anyway, you're better off letting him do it exactly as he wants it.

Personally, I would prefer the BeerFest tickets. That would be really fun, I think. And I would want Designing Great Beers. I don't own it, but have heard great things, and would really like to pick up a copy soon.

In the end, there are a ton of ways to get the AG setup going. But this BeerFest could be the chance of a lifetime. I'd jump on it in a heartbeat if it were me.

**Zamial** · 02-07-2012, 09:37 PM

I think that about sums it up...

**beergolf** · 02-07-2012, 09:37 PM

I think the beerfest would be a good choice. As your brewing advances the other equipment will come. The books mentioned already are good. I would add Brew Like a Monk if he likes Belgian brews.

You sound like a great wife. My wife is also very supportive of my hobby/ addiction.

**BigBlueDog** · 02-07-2012, 09:58 PM

Go with the BeerFest tickets. It sounds like you're not only supportive but also actively participating in the brewing activities, so you both may find the event inspirational.

Good book suggestions above, but you might also consider a subscription to Brew Your Own magazine or a membership to the American Homebrewers Association, if you don't have those in place already.

bestswmbo · 02-08-2012, 01:01 PM

Thanks everyone! I think I'm going to do the brewfest thing and the books. So, I think I'm going to leave Papazian behind and go with Designing Great Beers (and maybe something else... 'How to Brew'?). And I think some of you are right, he's going to enjoy standing in front of the fittings at Lowe's for an hour (seriously) and figure out how he wants to put it together.

**pjj2ba** · 02-08-2012, 01:29 PM

I've never made it to one of the Meet the Brewer nights at the Deli, as I have rehearsals on Wed. night. For the rest of you, a local bar (with 57 taps) has a series over the course of several weeks on Wed. nights where they feature a different brewery each week and a representative is on hand to talk about the beers and answer any questions. I think it would be fun to go, but alas, music is just as important as beer (did I really say that?)

Meet the Brewer at the Deli

When most people hear beer fest they think of a large event with a whole bunch of different breweries present.

My favorite books are Brew like a Monk and Extreme Brewing. While these books are geared towards some "specialized" styles, I find that both of these have EXCELLENT overviews of the brewing process. I don't brew many Belgians or extreme beers but I bought these books anyway and found them to be very useful resources for brewing more mainstream styles. I especially liked Extreme Brewing.

You can always get him a gift certificate from a homebrew store. I've been pleased with Maryland Homebrew Supply, and Country Wines (in Pittsburgh) and typically get quite fast delivery from both of them. Sometimes I'll order from Northern Brewer or Austin Homebrew supply.

Irishwrench · 02-08-2012, 01:54 PM

Another vote for beerfest. I also just celebrated a birthday and my wife planned an escape for the 2 of us to NYC, times square. Along the way we stopped at a brewery for a tasting. She bought me a growler and tshirt there as well. While in the city she reserved dinner at an Irish restaurant and took me to a brew pub that night. Extremely rememberable bday. All centered around craft beer. Loved it!

I also recently started brewing all grain. As stated before fabricating mash tuns, modifying brew kettles, etc. was equally enjoyable to the actual brewing, kegging, and tasting.

**Homercidal** · 02-08-2012, 03:52 PM

I suggest checking out Tasting Beer, or Radical Brewing by Randy Mosher. They are great reading, although not really a how-to or reference book. They are enjoyable and can open your mind about recipes and enjoying beer to it's fullest. Best after fulfilling your basic instruction though.

bestswmbo · 02-13-2012, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjj2ba

I've never made it to one of the Meet the Brewer nights at the Deli, as I have rehearsals on Wed. night. For the rest of you, a local bar (with 57 taps) has a series over the course of several weeks on Wed. nights where they feature a different brewery each week and a representative is on hand to talk about the beers and answer any questions. I think it would be fun to go, but alas, music is just as important as beer (did I really say that?)

Meet the Brewer at the Deli

When most people hear beer fest they think of a large event with a whole bunch of different breweries present.

My favorite books are Brew like a Monk and Extreme Brewing. While these books are geared towards some "specialized" styles, I find that both of these have EXCELLENT overviews of the brewing process. I don't brew many Belgians or extreme beers but I bought these books anyway and found them to be very useful resources for brewing more mainstream styles. I especially liked Extreme Brewing.

You can always get him a gift certificate from a homebrew store. I've been pleased with Maryland Homebrew Supply, and Country Wines (in Pittsburgh) and typically get quite fast delivery from both of them. Sometimes I'll order from Northern Brewer or Austin Homebrew supply.

Hey, fellow State College-r, yes, we're going to MTB. Wasn't sure what to call it in a succinct way. I'm excited about it. Thanks for the book recs!

My friend and his wife use Homebrew4less.com/the LHBS associated with the website in Chambersburg, both online and in person. He recommends it.